HJ console question?

[Absinth]

When did the shifter surround change from the HQ style to this style that Rares sell as a HJ shifter surround.

image.jpg

I have seen late 76 HJ's with the HQ style shifter surround so am wondering if it was more a superseded thing rather than a change during production. The HQ style is listed in the 75 HJ parts catalogue and a different part number is listed in the July 77 HJ parts catalogue.

this is the HQ style... Larger section at the bottom of the shifter surround.

image.jpg

[HK1837]

Never really looked into it, but possibly just a part number change to a later series part that would do the job. Pretty normal for this to happen. Easy way to get caught out too if you treat parts catalogues as an historical reference rather than what they were ie GMH's way of allowing spare parts dealerships to supply bits to do the job.

[Taily]

Would it be around the HJ series update around 9/75 - plant spares inventory dependant?

[Absinth]

Would it be around the HJ series update around 9/75 - plant spares inventory dependant?

Pretty sure not Taily. The pic below is of a barn find HJ Kingswood Sandman that is a 5/76 build date and it still has the early style shifter surround.

image.jpg

I ordered a HJ lid and surround from Rares a few years ago and thought WTF when it arrived, only to be told by Les that it was correct for HJ. I checked my July 77 HJ manual and found the different part number listed so thought late change.... However all info I can find and existing original vehicles point to that not being so....

A different type surround was used in HX so it is not really a superseded part from a later model being used. Has me stumped for now..

[Big Rob]

So is the boot and the retainer and pegs on the underside different?

It looks like it was done for a reason, but I can't think why anyone would add a thicker section at the bottom end and not at the top unless they were breaking due to boot stretch when the lever was in 1st & 3rd, and the extra material was added to give the boot more support.

[buickzz]

Does the console change coincide with the shift lever change perhaps?

[HK1837]

Sean, look into Torana as well. Might be an LX change? HJ changed paint and trim when LX was released.

[thatotherguy]

our HJ is 5/76 and torana is 10/76 and both have the late style

[Absinth]

Yep, Byron called it, LX Torana. Didn't even think of the LX, I knew LH was the same as HJ. So the change was during LX and after HJ... The July 77 HJ parts catalogue is just listing the late LX surround as it supersedes the HQ/HJ/LH/ early LX shifter surround.

Unless I can find a 76 HJ catalogue that lists the later style.

[HK1837]

Think of it from GMH's perspective. Keep one part that will do the job. LX was the last so use it.